Silver City, NM; March 7, 2013—The Gila National Forest has announced recent retirements.

“I am continually appreciative of the many years of dedication to public service from our former employees as they leave a legacy of contributions in enhancing the health and sustainability of the forest, and much expertise.  I am happy for them as they are now investing their energies in other productive ventures!” said Gila Forest Supervisor Kelly Russell.
 
Gail Firebaugh-Smith retired after 27 years of employment with the U.S. government, including more than 14 years as Forest Archaeologist and Heritage Program Manager headquartered at the Supervisor’s Office in Silver City.  She also worked as an archaeologist in Wyoming for the Bureau of Land Management, in Colorado for the National Park Service, and National Forests in Arkansas, Idaho, and California. Earning her B.A. and M.A. degrees in Anthropology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, her career in archaeology spanned more than 37 years.  Gail has lived in Silver City for 14 years and remains in the area with her husband… enjoying local history and the great outdoors.
 

Ruth Fisher, Mail Clerk for the Supervisor’s Office in Silver City, retired after 33 years of service.  At the start of her career, she worked as Data Transcriber in the Computer Shop during a busy time when the 1986 Forest Plan was being developed.  Within a few years, she transferred to the Business Management section where she supported the forest’s administrative needs in the processing of written and electronic correspondence, ordering and stocking needed office supplies especially during busy fire seasons, and ensured incoming/outgoing mail was processed efficiently. Ruth is currently enjoying her free time to pursue her interests in doll collecting, painting, and her many arts and crafts projects.
 
Brenda Hubbard is another recent retiree with 23 years of Forest Service employment. Her first job started in the 1980s on a ranger district (R.D.) on the largest national forest in the nation, the Tongass National Forest.  From there, she transferred to another R.D. in Alaska, both located on Prince of Wales Island; then to Juneau, and from the northern cold country, moved to the American Southwest where she started working on the Coconino National Forest  and finally to her last duty station on the Black Range R.D. Her career has been working on R.D.s. “That is where the heart of the Forest Service is and all my family and friends,” said Brenda.